Multi-spectral imaging using longitudinal chromatic aberrations

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for imaging a target object are provided. In one example, a multispectral imager includes an objective lens configured to disperse light from a target object with a high degree of longitudinal chromatic aberrations along an optical axis of the objective lens. The multispectral imager also includes a sensor configured to capture a whole image of the target object at each of a plurality of wavelengths when at least one of the objective lens and the sensor is moved along the optical axis. Furthermore, the multispectral imager includes a processor configured to analyze intensities of different additive primary colors of each pixel of each whole image to determine which pixels have a correct wavelength.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for imaging a target object and more particularly relates to multi-spectral imaging using longitudinal chromatic aberrations.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, multi-spectral imaging involves analyzing images at various wavelengths of light, such as visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light. Multi-spectral imaging can be used in many applications, such as for detecting counterfeit currency, detecting the quality of food, and other applications. The equipment used in many implementations of actual multi-spectral imaging typically includes spectrometers and/or rotating prisms. These implementations are normally very large and expensive. Therefore, a need exists for a more compact multi-spectral imaging device, especially one that can be handheld for easy use.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention embraces systems and methods for imaging an object. In one exemplary embodiment, a multispectral imager includes an objective lens configured to disperse light from a target object with a high degree of longitudinal chromatic aberrations along an optical axis of the objective lens. The multispectral imager further includes a sensor configured to capture a whole image of the target object at each of a plurality of wavelengths, which is enabled by moving either the objective lens or the sensor along the optical axis. Also, a processor of the multispectral imager is configured to analyze intensities of different primary colors of each pixel of each whole image to determine which pixels have a correct wavelength.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for imaging a target object is provided. The method includes a first step of optically dispersing multiple wavelengths of light reflected from a target object so as to create longitudinal chromatic aberrations on an optical axis. The method also includes a step of determining color intensities of pixels of non-sharp regions of a whole image at each of the multiple wavelengths.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a chart showing the relevant wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation being monitored according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a diagram of a multi-spectral imaging apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a diagram of an optical imager according to at least a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a diagram of an image stack according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts an image captured at a particular wavelength and exemplary sharp and non-sharp portions of the image according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6a through 6c depict diagrams of the sensor shown in FIG. 3 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a graph showing the quantum efficiency of the image at various wavelengths according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a method of operation of an optical imager according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the field of optics, the concept of chromatic aberration can be thought of as the result of a lens that fails to focus all colors to the same focal point. The effect of chromatic aberration occurs because of the difference in the refractive indices of different wavelengths of light. Instead of focusing the light to one point, a lens may disperse the light.

Additionally, longitudinal chromatic aberration is a type of chromatic aberration in which light is dispersed along a longitudinal axis, and more specifically, along the optical axis of a lens. For example, a lens that produces longitudinal chromatic aberrations focuses rays of light having a first extreme wavelength at one end of a spectrum at a certain longitudinal distance and also focuses rays of light having a second extreme wavelength at the other end of the spectrum. The present invention takes advantage of the phenomenon of longitudinal chromatic aberrations to obtain multiple images at different wavelengths corresponding to the focal point or focal field of the particular wavelength.

The present invention embraces systems and methods for obtaining images of a target object at various wavelengths and analyzing the images to determine certain characteristics of the target object. The present invention may include a lens, such as an objective lens, that is designed to disperse light without correcting for chromatic aberrations. Specifically, the objective lens of the present invention may provide longitudinal chromatic aberrations, such that light at different wavelengths is focused at different points along the caustic, or optical axis, of the lens. The present invention may also include a sensor configured to obtain multiple in-focus images of the object at the different wavelengths. According to various embodiments, either the objective lens or the sensor can be moved with respect to the optical axis to allow the sensor to obtain the images at different wavelengths.

From the multiple images, an image stack can be generated. The image stack can then be used to analyze various properties to detect characteristics of the object. In one example, specific portions of the images at specific wavelengths can be analyzed to determine whether or not printed currency is counterfeit. Also, the quality or maturity of food can be analyzed by observing the absorption spectrum. It should be noted that the multispectral imaging systems described herein may include other applications as well.

FIG. 1 is a chart showing the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation within a specific spectrum 10 according to exemplary embodiments. The spectrum 10 may correspond substantially to the relevant wavelengths utilized by the present invention. In particular, with the use of a CMOS sensor or an RGB-IR sensor, the relevant wavelengths being sensed may range from about 300 nm or less to about 1100 nm or more. Therefore, the spectrum 10 in this example may encompass the entire visible spectrum, which ranges from about 400 nm to about 700 nm and also includes part of the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, which includes wavelengths below 400 nm, and part of the near infrared (near IR) spectrum, which includes wavelengths above 700 nm.

According to some embodiments, other types of sensors may be used to sense a wider range of wavelengths. For example, some sensors may be used to sense lower wavelengths in the UV spectrum, which includes wavelengths from about 100 nm to 400 nm, and higher wavelengths in the IR spectrum, which includes wavelengths from about 700 nm to about 1 mm.

The present invention may provide a source of light for illuminating a target object. In some embodiments, the light source may provide a range of electromagnetic radiation ranging from about 300 nm to about 1100 nm. Also, the optical systems of the present invention may be capable of sensing at least the same range as shown by the spectrum 10 in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the optical systems may be configured to sense a greater range of electromagnetic radiation.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an apparatus 20 illustrating an example of the general concepts of the present invention and more particularly the concepts of an objective lens that may be utilized in the various embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus 20 includes a chromatic aberration unit 22, which represents an optical system for imaging a target object 24. The chromatic aberration unit 22 includes an optical axis 26, which defines an imaginary line about which the optical elements of the chromatic aberration unit 22 are rotationally symmetrical.

As shown in FIG. 2, light rays reflected from the target object 24 are radiated to the chromatic aberration unit 22. The chromatic aberration unit 22 optically refracts the rays such that different wavelengths are focused at different points along the optical axis 26. More specifically, the image is focused onto a plane that intersects the optical axis 26 perpendicularly at a respective point on the axis. It should be noted that the depth of focus at each wavelength enables a sensor to distinguish a sharp image from a blurred image.

The chromatic aberration unit 22 of FIG. 2 may include various combinations of lenses, filters, etc., depending on the various embodiments. Regardless of the particular implementation, the chromatic aberration unit 22 includes an objective lens that is configured to optically disperse an image of the target object 24. The dispersion of the image includes focusing specific wavelengths of the image at specific points along the optical axis 26. For example, the chromatic aberration unit 22 is capable of focusing an image having a wavelength of about 400 nm (e.g., violet) onto a plane perpendicular to the optical axis at the point marked “400” in FIG. 2.

Although the numerals “400,” “500,” “600,” “700,” and “800” are shown in FIG. 2, it should be noted that they are not part of the apparatus 20 itself, but are shown mainly for the purpose of explanation. Also, the optical axis 26 is an imaginary line and is also shown for the purpose of explanation. It should be noted that the scale regarding the corresponding wavelengths at the points along the optical axis 26 may not necessarily be a linear scale, as shown, but may rather depend on the characteristics of the chromatic aberration unit 22.

Depending on the configuration of the chromatic aberration unit 22, images of the target object 24 may be dispersed at any wavelengths between about 400 nm and 800 nm. Also, the chromatic aberration unit 22 may also be configured to disperse other wavelengths less than 400 nm and/or greater than 800 nm along the optical axis 26.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of an optical imager 30. The optical imager 30 includes the chromatic aberration unit 22 having optical axis 26, as described above with respect to FIG. 2. The optical imager 30 further includes one or more radiation sources 32, a sensor 34, a motor 36, a motor controller 38, a processor 40, and memory 42. The sensor 34, motor 36, and motor controller 38 may define an auto-focus mechanism. Other types of auto-focus mechanisms may be utilized in the present invention for moving the sensor 34 and/or the chromatic aberration unit 22 reciprocally along the optical axis 26. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to move one or more lenses of the chromatic aberration unit 22 to enable the sensor 34 to sense the images at multiple wavelengths. The purpose of the auto-focus mechanism is to enable the sensor 34 to acquire in-focus images at different wavelengths by moving either the lens of the chromatic aberration unit 22 or the sensor 34 along the caustic of chromatic aberration created by the optical system.

The radiation sources 32 define a broadband spectrum source when considered in combination or separately. Therefore, the radiation sources 32 are configured to illuminate the target object 24 with light at least within the relevant spectrum utilized by the optical imager 30, which may include electromagnetic radiation ranging in wavelength from about 400 nm to about 800 nm. As mentioned above, the chromatic aberration unit 22 disperses the light rays based on wavelength. Shorter wavelengths (e.g., violet) refract at a greater angle than longer wavelengths (e.g., near IR) and are focused at different points on the optical axis 26.

In some embodiments, the sensor 34 may be a CMOS sensing component, an RGB-IR sensor, or other type of sensor, which may be configured to sense electromagnetic radiation in a range from about 300 nm to about 1100 nm. According to other embodiments, the sensor 34 may include other types of sensing components for sensing wavelengths below 300 nm and/or for sensing wavelengths above 1100 nm.

The processor 40 instructs the motor controller 38 to cause the motor 36 to move the sensor 34 or chromatic aberration unit 22 in a reciprocal motion along the optical axis 26. In some embodiments, the motor controller 38 may control the motor 36 to move in a stepwise manner. Accordingly, the motor 36 may be configured to move the sensor 34 and/or lens of the chromatic aberration unit 22 to a first point where sensor 34 can sense the light with respect to a first wavelength, then move the sensor 34 or lens to a second point where the light is sensed with respect to a second wavelength, and so on. This can be repeated for multiple wavelengths within the relevant spectrum.

For example, the optical imager 30 may be configured to step the sensor 34 in such a way as to capture images of the target object 24 with respect to various wavelengths differing by about 25 nm. When sensed at 25 nm apart (i.e., at each tick mark in FIG. 1), the optical imager 30 may capture, for example, 17 images from 400 nm to 800 nm. The processor 40 may further be configured to store the captured images in the memory 42.

Alternative to the auto-focus mechanisms of FIG. 3 involving mechanical actuators, other embodiments may include liquid lenses, deformable lenses, or other auto-focus devices. In addition to detecting focus or sharpness, the processor 40 is further capable of calculating K ratios as described below with respect to FIG. 6. Also, the processor 40 may be configured to store images in the memory 42 and combine images as needed. The processor 40 may also include three-dimensional imaging circuitry for imaging the target object three-dimensionally. The functions of the processor 40 may be part of the hardware of the processor 40 or may be configured as software or firmware stored in the memory 42 and executed by the processor 40. In some embodiments, movement of the lens, chromatic aberration unit 22, or sensor 34 along the optical axis 26 may also involve actuation of the auto-focus mechanism acting on the liquid or deformable lens.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image stack 46 comprising multiple images 48 of a target object. Each image 50 represents a view of the target object 24 at a corresponding wavelength. According to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the multiple images 48 may be captured at various points along the optical axis 26.

The image stack 46 is a multi-dimensional (e.g., three-dimensional) multi-spectral image that stacks the images 48 acquired at various steps within the relevant spectrum. Images are acquired at the wavelengths within the relevant spectrum of about 400 nm to about 700 nm. The images 48 do not necessarily include every wavelength, but include discrete measurements within the spectrum.

Once the multi-dimensional image stack 46 is obtained at the multiple wavelengths, various properties of the target object 24 can be analyzed. For detecting counterfeit bills, different regions of the bill can be analyzed by the processor 40 at one or more wavelengths and compared with the corresponding regions of a real bill.

For food quality detection, absorption of various wavelengths can be analyzed. For example, as a fruit matures, its absorption of various light may vary. Therefore, the fruit can be analyzed for ripeness as well as being analyzed for being past a ripe stage into turning rotten.

Other applications of multi-spectral imaging can be implemented. Particularly, the uses may be especially more convenient using the multi-spectral imaging devices described in the present disclosure since the embodiments described herein may be embodied in a compact handheld device, such as a handheld scanner or barcode scanner, which represents a great reduction in size with respect to conventional optical imagers. In this respect, a user can easily manipulate the handheld device to capture the three-dimensional image stack 46 of the target object 24 at multiple wavelengths.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an image 50 of a target object. The image 50 may include sharp portions 52 that include a certain level of in-focus detail. Other portions 54 of the image 50 may be characterized by non-sharp features. Therefore, an auto-focus algorithm of an optical imager may be able to determine that certain portions of the image 50 are sharp, or in focus, such as those similar to the sharp portions 52. However, the auto-focus algorithm may not be able to ascertain whether other portions, such as portion 54, are in focus.

FIGS. 6a-6c illustrate an embodiment of the sensor 34 shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 6a , the sensor 34 is configured as a color sensor that includes a monochrome sensor 60 covered with a color filter 62. The color filter 62 may be a Bayer filter, RGB-IR filter, or other type of color filter matrix. As shown in FIG. 6b , the color filter 62 comprises a matrix of color pixels 64. Each color pixel 64, as shown in FIG. 6c , includes two green pixels, one blue pixel, and one red pixel. Therefore, each color pixel 64 is capable of determining the intensities of each of the three additive primary colors (i.e., red, green, and blue).

The processor 40 shown in FIG. 3 is configured to receive the color signals from each color channel of the color filter 62. The color channels, for example, may include R, G, and B, and may optionally include IR. From the color signals, the processor 40 is able to calculate a K1 ratio and a K2 ratio for each color pixel 64. The ratios K1 and K2 are defined below:

$\begin{matrix} {{K\; 1} = \frac{I(g)}{I(b)}} & (1) \\ {{K\; 2} = \frac{I(g)}{I(r)}} & (2) \end{matrix}$

where I(g) is the intensity of green in the color pixel 64, I(b) is the intensity of blue in the color pixel 64, and I(r) is the intensity of red in the color pixel 64.

FIG. 7 illustrates a graph showing an example of color intensities at various wavelengths. At one particular wavelength (i.e., about 500 nm), the waveform of the blue pattern intersects the waveform of the green pattern. At this point, the intensities of green and blue are the same. Therefore, at the wavelength where the intensities of green and blue are the same, the K1 ratio will be equal to 1.0.

According to an exemplary operation, the processor 40 may be configured to first determine the sharp portions 52 of the image 50 and store the sharp portions. Also, the sharp portions can then be extracted from the whole image, leaving the portions 54 that are not sharp. Since it may be difficult to determine if the non-sharp portions should be part of the image, the processor 40 may further be configured to determine the K1 and K2 ratios of each color pixel 64 of these remaining portions of the image 50. By calculating K1 and K2 at each color pixel 64, the processor 40 can determine which pixels are at the correct wavelength. The pixels determined to be correct based on the K1 and K2 ratios can also be saved in the memory 42 and extracted from the image 50. The two images can then be combined to determine which portions are part of the final image for each particular wavelength.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 80 for obtaining a multi-spectral image. In FIG. 8, the method 80 includes a first step of acquiring a whole image, such as image 50, at a first wavelength. As indicated in block 84, the method 80 includes extracting the sharp regions from the acquired whole image to obtain a first image. Block 86 includes a step of calculating the K ratios of each of the remaining regions that were not extracted in step 84. The K ratios may be calculated using equations (1) and (2) described above.

As indicated by block 88, the method 80 further includes the step of extracting those pixels having the correct K ratios in order to obtain a second image. Block 90 includes the step of combining the first and second images extracted in steps 84 and 88. Decision block 92 determines whether or not more wavelengths are to be monitored. If so, the method 80 returns back to block 82 in which a whole image at the next wavelength is acquired. If no more wavelengths are to be monitored, the method proceeds to block 94. As indicated in block 94, after all the images have been acquired and combined at each wavelength or interest, the method 80 includes executing the step of recording all of the combined images to obtain a multi-spectral image.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. An imager comprising: an objective lens configured to disperse light reflected from a target object with a high degree of longitudinal chromatic aberrations along an optical axis of the objective lens; a sensor configured capture a substantially complete image of the target object at each of a plurality of wavelengths; and a processor configured to analyze intensities of different additive primary colors of each pixel of each captured image to determine which pixels have a pre-selected wavelength; wherein at least one of the objective lens and the sensor is configured to move along the optical axis to enable the sensor to capture the substantially complete image at each of the plurality of wavelengths.
 2. The imager of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to extract sharp regions of each captured image to create a respective first image representing a subset of the captured image.
 3. The imager of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to analyze the intensities of the different additive primary colors by calculating a first ratio of a pixel intensity of a first color to a pixel intensity of a second color and calculating a second ratio of the pixel intensity of the first color to a pixel intensity of a third color.
 4. The imager of claim 3, wherein the first and second ratios define the pre-selected wavelength for each captured image.
 5. The imager of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a color sensing element.
 6. The imager of claim 5, wherein the color sensing element includes a monochrome sensor covered with a color filter.
 7. The imager of claim 6, wherein the color filter comprises a matrix of color pixels, each color pixel comprising two green pixels, one blue pixel, and one red pixel.
 8. The imager of claim 1, further comprising an electromagnetic radiation source configured to project broadband spectrum radiation towards the target object.
 9. The imager of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to sense electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths in the range from about 400 nm to about 700 nm.
 10. The imager of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to process the multiple images to obtain a multi-dimensional image stack of the multiple wavelengths.
 11. The imager of claim 10, further comprising a memory configured to store the multi-dimensional image stack.
 12. The imager of claim 1, further comprising a motor configured to move at least one of the objective lens and the sensor along the optical axis in a stepwise manner to enable the sensor to obtain at least one image at each step, each image corresponding to a specific one of the plurality of wavelengths.
 13. A method for imaging a target object, the method comprising the steps of: optically dispersing multiple wavelengths of light reflected from a target object so as to create longitudinal chromatic aberrations on an optical axis; and determining color intensities of pixels of non-sharp regions of images captured at a plurality of the multiple wavelengths.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of extracting sharp regions of each captured image to create a first image representing a subset of the respective captured image.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of analyzing the intensities of different colors of the captured image at each of the plurality of wavelengths.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein analyzing the intensities of different colors includes the steps of calculating at least a first ratio of a pixel intensity of a first color to a pixel intensity of a second color and calculating a second ratio of the pixel intensity of the first color to a pixel intensity of a third color.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein at least the first and second ratios define a pre-selected wavelength for each respective captured image.
 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of sensing multiple images of the target object at the plurality of wavelengths, wherein each of the plurality of wavelengths corresponds to a point along the optical axis.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of sensing the multiple images at the plurality of wavelengths includes moving at least one of a lens and a sensor along the optical axis.
 20. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of creating a multi-dimensional image stack of the multiple in-focus images at the multiple wavelengths. 